Immunoperoxidase techniques, also known as immunoperoxidase staining or immunoperoxidase histochemistry, refer to a laboratory method used to detect and visualize specific antigens in biological samples, particularly in tissue sections. It involves the use of specific antibodies that bind to the target antigens, followed by the enzymatic amplification and localization of the antibody-antigen complex using peroxidase enzymes.
In this technique, tissue samples are first fixed, embedded in a solid medium, and sliced into thin sections. These sections are then treated with primary antibodies that bind specifically to the antigen of interest. The primary antibodies are typically produced through an immunization process, where animals are exposed to the target antigen, leading to the production of specific antibodies.
After incubation with primary antibodies, the sections are treated with a second antibody, often labeled with peroxidase. This second antibody recognizes the primary antibody and forms a complex with it. Following subsequent enzymatic reactions, the peroxidase converts a colorless substrate, such as 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB), into a brown or blue precipitate. This precipitate can be visualized using a light microscope, allowing for the detection and localization of the target antigen in the tissue sample.
Immunoperoxidase techniques are widely used in various fields, including histopathology, immunology, and molecular biology, for investigating the presence, distribution, and localization of specific antigens in tissues or cells. The technique provides high specificity and sensitivity, allowing for the identification and characterization of specific cells or molecules within complex biological samples.
